Benue State has been thrown into political turmoil following the sudden resignation of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Aondona Dajoh, under alleged pressure from Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.
According to The Informant News, Dajoh’s resignation was not voluntary but forced after the Assembly uncovered 42 allegations against the Governor, amounting to N117 billion in alleged financial mismanagement, abuse of office, and constitutional violations.
The Assembly’s report accused Governor Alia of:
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Awarding multi-billion naira contracts without due process or budgetary approval.
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Diverting funds meant for the 23 local government areas.
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Nepotism by concentrating appointments in his home local government.
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Interfering with the judiciary, including using thugs to block courts.
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Refusing to sign the 2025 Appropriation Law while spending state funds illegally.
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Failing to address worsening insecurity that displaced thousands across 17 LGAs.
One of the most shocking cases involved a N73 billion road contract allegedly awarded without bidding or executive approval.
Sources revealed that Governor Alia deployed N2 billion to secure Dajoh’s removal and ensure Alfred Emberga, member representing Makurdi-North, emerged as the new Speaker—consolidating the Governor’s grip on power.
The findings have sparked outrage, with many warning that the developments threaten democracy and deepen insecurity in Benue State.